I see great value in what I am doing with my life and where I am going. I am unapologetic. I believe I am the richest woman in the world!
There is a wonderful line in one of my songs. It is, “I go to places that heal me.” That is what my life is about; I heal myself and hope to heal other people, too. Continue reading →

I have written before that everyone handles his or her own grief differently. Now, I want to share my own personal beliefs about grief:
It is not recoverable; one adjusts to it.
Healing is possible, and maintaining hope of it can provide sustenance. But the process of healing is uncconscious and happens despite certainty that grief is endless.
Many, many people succumb to their grief.
Grieving is hard work and consumes one’s existence.
Although it is rare, it is possible to find joy again. But finding it is a conscious effort and requires giving oneself permission to be happy. Continue reading →

I do have a strong attachment to memories. My memories might involve “objects,” but those objects only serve as a way to remind me of memories filled with special people whom I’ve loved. Some of those memories are sad. Currently, I’d like to think that I am creating happier memories. There are many “firsts” in my life, as I am now living on my own at the age of 53 for the first time in my life. Continue reading →

It was eighteen years since I had last moved. My art studio held many areas for me to sort through. I dreaded the process of packing, and I found many excuses to put it off. Initially, it was excruciatingly difficult to tear myself away from working on my audio book and songs. I was so close to finishing everything. But packing was the only way I would be able to move forward so I could exit the tunnel I was in. Finally, I had to accept that I would not finish my book before moving. Continue reading →

I could write pages and pages of my memories from beach outings with my mother. Throughout the day, I felt so much nostalgia remembering those times in my life. My mother was relaxed and sang blessings in Hebrew as we walked near the marina. Despite her advanced dementia, she appreciated the outing more than I anticipated. As I drove home, she slid down in her seat, and the seatbelt was barely holding her in. We arrived back at her nursing home. Just before taking her out of my car, I reached over to kiss her. I could see she was very tired; she had hardly rested as I drove home. I believe she didn’t want to miss a moment of time sitting next to me. As I kissed her, she said softly, “Thank you.” I wanted to be sure I heard her. So I said, “Mom, what are you thanking me for?” She answered clearly, “I had a wonderful time. Thank you.” Those were the clearest words she had spoken all day, and were exactly what I needed to hear. The beams of light that shone from my body could have illuminated a city at that moment. Continue reading →

Just like the importance of vibe with singing, I knew that I needed to feel my words. I certainly did when I recorded Jason’s story. However, with 32 stories and a lot of words to read, I honestly did not put in the effort required on every story to “feel” all those words. I decided I could inject more emotion into my earlier recordings. The “catch” in my voice and tearful moments made a huge difference for the listener. Continue reading →

My post title is a lyric line from my song “Crystal Oceans.” It has two meanings for me. One is that I am reaching for my dreams – so many of them have already come true. The other, is that I hope I will reach many people and comfort them with my stories and music. Continue reading →

There are not many things about being younger that I long for. I far prefer my current life. I also believe feeling doubtful and uncertain is poison to the soul. There is nothing more inspiring for me than believing in myself. I wrote this story; because there were few words to describe the euphoria I felt when I saw my college art teacher, Nancy, after at least twenty years. If I could describe my emotion, it would be amazement that my teacher was certain my future was limitless and success was just around the corner for me. Yesterday, I had that exact same feeling as I faced my former teacher in my studio! She sat in a chair across from me while I serenaded her on my guitar. Upon the walls of my studio were many of my paintings. At the age of fifty-one, I could enjoy the knowledge that all of my artistic ventures came true. Continue reading →